Umbilical Cord connects the developing fetus to the mother through the placenta from the sixth week of pregnancy until birth. As a lifeline, the cord supplies the developing fetus with oxygen, nutrients, and a means of waste elimination while in the womb. At birth, because the baby is able to breathe, eat, and void the bladder and bowel, the umbilical cord becomes unnecessary; so it is clamped and cut shortly after delivery. Since there are no nerve fibers in the cord, your newborn will not feel it.
Healing the umbilical cord The stump of your baby's umbilical cord will change from yellowish green to brown to black as it dries out and eventually falls off — usually within 12 to 15 days after birth.
After mother and baby are discharged from the hospital or 24 hours after delivery, your pediatrician may recommend wiping the stump and the surrounding skin area with rubbing alcohol 2-3 times a day until the stump falls off. Parents were once instructed to swab the stump with rubbing alcohol after every diaper change. Researchers now say the stump may heal faster if left alone. Simply expose the stump to air to help dry out the base. Sponge baths may be most practical during the healing process.
Keep the stump dry, and expose the stump to air as much as possible to help dry out the base. Keep the front of the diaper rolled out and down. Change wet or soiled diapers quickly to prevent irritation. In warm weather, dress your baby in a diaper and T-shirt to improve air circulation.
“Any fever in a newborn is considered a medical emergency.”
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